FAQ
What is the on site testing process?
Get in Touch
Reach out and let us know a few details about your stock, including their class, location, and your current management calendar, so we can arrange a suitable time to visit and carry out testing. Give us a call and we can align testing with your broader management activities.
Sample Collection
We’ll visit your property to conduct sampling and testing on site. For the first visit, we recommend someone familiar with the stock show us which mobs and paddocks you'd like tested. On future visits, you're always welcome to join us in the ute for a chat about your mobs and their current condition, but if you're short on time, we're more than happy to work independently. We will never put pressure on your fencing.
We collect samples by holding sheep in a corner of their paddock for 5–10 minutes until enough animals have defecated. If needed, we can also collect samples rectally from yarded sheep.
However, please note that if sheep have been yarded for too long (4+ hours), they may empty their gut, which can result in an inaccurately high worm egg count.
On site Testing
Testing is conducted on-site using portable equipment. At most, we may need access to a tap. Results are delivered promptly, along with practical recommendations specific to your mob and management goals.
Ongoing Support
Together, we can map out future testing dates that align with your husbandry calendar. Our goal is to reduce your workload and help you make informed, clear choices for your livestock.
Let us know how we can make our service work best for you.
Here are our suggestions for properties within the Victorian winter rainfall region:
4-6 weeks following a rain event that has resulted in green pick.
7-10 days prior to mustering sheep for a management event (weaning, preg scanning, joining, pre lambing, etc).
Prior to your second summer drench.
If you suspect you have a worm problem- test! Worms may, or may not be, the culprit.
If your property has a problem with barber’s pole worm- conduct regular tests throughout the warmer months.
Regularly test weaners, especially after rain events.
Please give us a call so we can work our service in with your management calendar help you make testing as easy as possible.
When should I request a worm egg count?
I use a combination of both the McMaster method and the FecpakG2 machine. The McMaster method is used while testing on site, and the FecpakG2 is used in the office frequently to cross check and ensure my counting accuracy.